System z/Mainframes Security Developer (RACF)

Job description

**Introduction**
The IBM mainframe (Z Systems) is responsible for most credit card transactions and is used by the many of the top insurers, banks, retailers, and airlines.

IBM z/VM® is an operating system with highly secure and scalable hypervisor and virtualization technology designed to run Linux®, z/OS®, z/VSE® and z/TPF virtual machines as well as Red Hat® OpenShift® on IBM zSystems™ and IBM LinuxONE servers.

z/VM provides a highly secure and scalable environment for efficiently running critical Linux applications, with support for more Linux virtual servers than any other platform in a single footprint.

The z/VM team is a worldwide team, primarily located in Poughkeepsie, NY with expansion plans in Bangalore, India.

All phases of the software life cycle are performed within this team, including the design, development, test, performance, as well as supporting the product in the field with customers.

Agile methodologies are used throughout the life cycle.

We are looking for qualified software engineer candidates to be part of our IBM Z Systems team, to help us take z/VM virtualization to the next level on the mainframe.
**Your role and responsibilities**
We are seeking a Systems Programmer to join the RACF development team for z/VM.

RACF on z/VM provides user authentication, access control, and auditing capabilities to ensure secure multi-user environments.

In this role, you will be responsible for designing, coding, testing, and supporting RACF functions within z/VM, working closely with the global security and virtualization teams to deliver robust and enterprise-class security solutions.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Core Development:
* Design, develop, and enhance RACF security functions specific to z/VM.
* Write and maintain system-level code in Assembler, Rexx, or C/C++.
* Conduct code reviews, functional verification, and system-level testing.
Security Engineering:
* Implement and refine authentication, authorization, and auditing mechanisms for z/VM.
* Address vulnerabilities and contribute to compliance with IBM and industry security standards.
System Programming & Integration:
* Work with CP (Control Program), Systems Management, and z/VM subsystems to ensure seamless RACF integration.
* Set up, configure, and troubleshoot RACF in z/VM test environments.
Collaboration & Support:
* Partner with cross-functional teams including test, service, and documentation to deliver secure releases.
* Provide L3 support for customer-reported issues related to RACF on z/VM.
* Participate actively in defect analysis and product design discussions.
Innovation & Improvement:
* Drive automation and efficiency in test environments and regression cycles.
* Contribute ideas for performance and usability enhancements in RACF on z/VM.
* Stay updated on enterprise security and virtualization trends to inform product direction.
**Required technical and professional expertise**
Must have:
a) Minimum 5 years of experience in software design and development in system programming or security components (e.g., authentication, access control, auditing).
b) Minimum 2 years of experience in contributing to or leading development of security or system management tools (e.g., RACF, Directory Management, SAF-compliant products, or equivalent).
c) Experience working with virtualization technologies (z/VM, KVM, VMware, etc.), system security, and API-based integration.
d) Strong skills in mainframes or operating systems development and system-level programming in Assembler, c or /C++.
e) Ability and willingness to learn IBM proprietary languages like PL/X if required.
f) Ability to write and maintain automation scripts (REXX, Perl, Python, or shell equivalents).
g) Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills for complex technical issues in multi-user, virtualized environments.
**Preferred technical and professional experience**
* Strong understanding of operating system internals, virtualization concepts, and security frameworks (e.g., authentication, authorization, auditing).
* Hands-on experience with virtualized environments (such as VMware, KVM, Hyper-V, or similar).
* Exposure to enterprise security products (identity and access management, directory services, crypto services).
* Ability and interest to learn IBM-specific technologies such as z/VM architecture, Control Program (CP), Directory Management, and RACF.
* Familiarity with cross-platform security integration (LDAP, Kerberos, PKI, crypto services).
* Experience in Agile development and working in global, distributed teams.
* Strong communication and collaboration skills with proven ability to work across teams
* Proficiency in English (written and verbal).
IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics.

IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

Required Skill Profession

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